FBI Arrests Nine Suspects, Seizes 53 Electronic Devices in Nigeria

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine suspects in Nigeria and seized 53 electronic devices during an operation targeting international cybercrime networks accused of stealing billions of dollars from Americans.

The operation, code-named Operation Blackout, also led to the identification of $11 million in potentially freezeable funds across multiple countries, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

Patel disclosed the development in a statement published on X on Sunday, saying the operation targeted criminal networks that allegedly exploit innocent victims and steal their life savings across international borders.

“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” the statement read.

“These scam centres exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement. They’re wrong.

“Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation,” Patel said.

The FBI director vowed that the agency would pursue and prosecute criminals who target Americans from outside the United States.

The operation highlights ongoing cooperation between American and Nigerian law enforcement agencies in tackling cybercrime and other forms of cross-border financial fraud.

In a related development, six Nigerians were handed over to FBI officials by South African authorities in September over allegations that they defrauded more than 100 women through a romance scam scheme.

In August, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extradited two Nigerians to the United States over allegations of online sexual exploitation and sextortion involving two teenage boys who later died by suicide.

Similarly, in August 2025, the FBI arrested 22 Nigerians over alleged connections to financially motivated sextortion schemes linked to a rise in suicides among American teenagers.

The latest operation underscores the continued efforts of international law enforcement agencies to disrupt cybercrime networks, identify suspected offenders and recover funds allegedly obtained through fraudulent activities.